BY LUIS BUENAFLOR JR.
IT SEEMS the rainy days are here, perhaps a prelude to December’s cold days. and what better time to chill in my favorite coffee shop with a double Espresso shot and an interesting conversation with Nong Moroy.
So, what has Nong Moroy been up to these? He seems busier than usual.
We start off with this: MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) president / chief executive officer Roel Castro was elected president of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation for 2024-2026, during ILED’s annual general assembly on October 14, 2024.
No surprises there. Mr. Castro’s extensive experience in leadership positions him to lead ILED towards greater economic growth. With this over 15 years of experience in the energy sector and a commitment to community development, his leadership is set to drive impactful changes for Iloilo.
And then, the average residential electricity rate for MORE Power in October 2024 dropped to P11.0432 per kWh, a decrease of P1.5763 per kWh from September.
This reduction is attributed to a significant drop in the generation charge and the termination of staggered payments from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), which has seen lower average nodal prices.
Moving on, MORE Power — “I Am Iloilo City’s sole power provider — gave Janneth Dela Cruz, their 100,000th customer, early Christmas presents. She received P100,000 worth of cash, appliances, groceries, and gift certificates, marking a special celebration of this significant milestone for the power firm.
Meanwhile, as a neighborly gesture out of the goodness of their heart, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) extends 2-megawatt power supply to Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO) after the latter’s 15 megavolt amperes malfunctioned and affected its Victorias Substation.
According to Mr. Castro, also the president/CEO of Negros Power: “We understand the difficulties faced by our fellow industry player and neighbor, NONECO, and their consumers during this challenging time. We didn’t hesitate to extend our support by providing them with 2MW of temporary supply from our Lopez and Panaogao substations.”
Finally, come December, “I am Iloilo City’s” iconic Calle Real in the historic downtown area will emerge with a modernized look as the Underground Distribution System (UDS) nears completion, offering both aesthetic and practical upgrades.
Mr. Castro said the electrical aspect of the UDS is about 70 percent finished, with civil works completed. The goal is to eliminate all visible power lines on this stretch by December, and that the remaining challenge lies with telecommunication companies moving their lines underground.
Collaboration with other utilities is vital to achieving a unified, streamlined aesthetic for this heritage area, particularly the role of the Public Utilities Group of Iloilo (PUGI), a network coordinating the utility companies’ efforts.
Take note that the underground cabling is a strategic initiative by MORE Power and the Iloilo City government enhancing public safety, and improve the visual appeal of a bustling area rich in cultural landmarks. Not only will this reduce risks posed by severe weather/other hazards, but it also aligns with broader urban preservation goals.
Along that line (pun intended), MORE Power successfully connects its first customer to the Underground Distribution System. The historic connection was done, October 26, 2024, with Intensity Fitness Gym, along JM Basa Street, becoming the first recipient of this innovative energy solution.
And we give the last words to “I Am Iloilo City” Mayor Jerry Treñas:
“I am proud to announce that Iloilo City is the first in the Visayas to introduce LGU-DU initiated underground cabling — a testament to our commitment to modernization, safety, and beautification, especially in Calle Real.
“This pioneering project, led by MORE Power in collaboration with telcos/cable TV providers, is gradually transforming Iloilo City’s visual landscape. By moving overhead wires underground, we aim to eliminate the unsightly ‘spaghetti’ of tangled wires, particularly in areas like Calle Real and our heritage plazas”.
Indeed, well played Nong Moroy./PN
